Four things to know about maple sugaring in Massachusetts (with map)

Friday

Feb 24, 2017 at 2:05 PMFeb 25, 2017 at 4:34 AM

Caitlyn Kelleher Director of Multimedia @CMKelleher

1.

There are more than 300 maple producers in the state, who make between 50,000 and 60,000 gallons of maple syrup each year, according to the state. Maple syrup is the concentration of pure maple sap, which is made by boiling and filtering the sap.

2.

Sap can be collected in Massachusetts starting the end of February and throughout most of March. In order for sap to be collected, low temperatures must drop below freezing (usually in the 20s) and high temperatures must be above 32 degrees (usually into the 40s). Maple trees are usually tapped between 30 and 40 years old and can be tapped until it is more than 100 years old.

3.

The production of maple syrup is one a few agricultural processes in North America that is not a European colonial import. Visitors can visit a number of the sugar houses in Massachusetts because owners open their properties. Many educational farms and locations also hold sugaring events each year, including Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton, BreakHeart Reservation in Saugus, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield, Land's Sake in Weston, Natick Community Organic Farm in Natick, South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell, the Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park River Bend Farm Visitor Center in Uxbridge, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln and Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge.

4.

Many residents of Massachusetts have sugar maple trees in their yards, and, even with only a few trees, residents can make their own maple sugar and maple syrup. The Massachusetts Maple Producers Association lays out the 12-step process on its website, www.massmaple.org/make.php

Source: The Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, the state Department of Agricultural Resources and Old Sturbridge Village